Self defence

[661-Pete]

I have nothing of use myself (just keeping out of things is best for me ) but my son has studied Karate - as a defensive art - for years and is now Second Dan - and he cycles a lot. He says it's a lot more about defensive skills and body control than actually attacking or hurting people. Yet - looking at Benborp's video - if he'd been in BB's place, he could possibly* have parried the blow that landed on BB's head. And - what's more important - he might have been able to secure video evidence of the blow, that would have secured the much-needed assault rap. But that's just speculation. I would recommend karate though, having watched them at it for years. Apart from everything else it's a good discipline and self-control art.

* [edit] on looking at BB's thread again I see he's into martial arts too. So maybe my suggestion was redundant in that case

 

[John the Monkey]

I did MMA, and prior to that Kickboxing.

It gave me a powerful conviction that avoiding getting into fights was a good way to go, self-defense wise.

 

[ComedyPilot]

In no way am I advocating attacking anyone and the first thing I would advise is to get away.

But some people (like WVM in the OP) give you no option but to act defensively.

Fair do's Gerry, a gentleman of your 'vintage' would be better served not aggravating your (plastic) hip doing a spinning back-kick?

 

[chillyuk]

15 years ago I was mugged by two youths. One ended up in hospital, one ran away, guess who ended up in a cell for assault.

Fortunately the CPS decided no further action. Neither of my assailants were charged with any offence.

I'm a former French Legionnaire. I would love to meet the two again somewhere quiet, and I am getting on a bit.

 

[al78]

I've seen the results of someone trained in self defence confronting an enraged oik intent on destruction. I'll not bother thanks.

What happened?

 

[jimboalee]

Top Tip for commute cyclists.

If you are RIGHT handed, keep your switchblade in your RIGHT rear pocket.

 

[lofty]

I'm a former French Legionnaire.

I`m going to request Chillyuk comes with me at all times on my commute !!

 

[Joe]

 

[Gerry Attrick]

What happened?

In a previous existence, I was involved in a law enforcement capacity. We were trained in the same methods that the police use, but a foolhardy colleague decided to earn his salary by tackling a recalcitrant character without waiting for backup. The result was a broken wrist, cuts and suspected concussion. Oh,and the perpetrator went unmolested.

 

[gaz]

i've lived in south london for all my life, with some of it being in some bad parts of Croydon. I can handle my self.

 

[magnatom]

I'm pretty sure I would have dealt with Benborp's confrontation differently.

Believe it or not, I don't have an agressive bone in my body, except when I used to compete at the judo. Even then, aggression was very controlled and always focused on beating the opponent. So in a confrontation where I can sense there may be physical aggression, I should hopefully be fairly controlled. I would never throw a punch or attack first. However, if someone did punch or actually attack me, I would defend myself without question and I would do my best to reach a situation where I felt no further harm would come to me. There are a few techniques that I have learned over the years that would probably have good effect on a 'gentleman' attacking me from the front.

Of course, you are never certain of the outcome of any confrontation and a fight is always best avoided (I haven't been in a fight since I was about 12!), however, I have no doubt that having 25+ years experience in judo, and the element of surprise, would give me an advantage in most cases.

 

[yello]

I find it deeply disturbing that such a question should be asked.

But, having watched the video that initiated the question, I see the reason for it. That guy had completely lost it, was clearly a disturbed and dangerous man. If I'd experienced that I suspect I'd never leave the house again, never mind cycle.

By the looks of it (and If I still lived in London), I'd certainly be interested in any 'self defence' that taught me how to stay calm, take the heat out of a situation and avoid having the crap kicked out of me. Fortunately, my biggest risk of personal injury on the bike is, at the moment, likely to be caused by falling chestnuts!

 

[jimboalee]

I became aware of some unsavoury activity when I was younger.
There were two rival gangs in North Birmingham, one of which was based near the Kingstanding Circle.
One night, we got a call that someone had been whisked away and had some punishment dealt to at a farm near Bassetts Pole.
We went off to investigate.
When we got close the police were there.
The unfortunate chap had been hung up by his ankles from a beam and the back of his knees had been drilled through with a brace and bit.

There were reprisals.

A rival chap, also most unfortunate, became a permanent part of the M42 hardcore in several small pieces.

At that time, I frequented Solihull Ice Rink. One night, a group of strangers came in and word got round they were looking for Jonnie Lee’s gang.

The best course of action was to go out the back door sharpish, no standing and fighting.

 

[downfader]

15 years ago I was mugged by two youths. One ended up in hospital, one ran away, guess who ended up in a cell for assault.

Fortunately the CPS decided no further action. Neither of my assailants were charged with any offence.

I'm a former French Legionnaire. I would love to meet the two again somewhere quiet, and I am getting on a bit.

My late grandfather, who used to work for a local plumbing firm back in the early 60s once got cornered by two men who wanted his work bag. He recanted the tale to my Dad who said he's swung the thing at one guy's head knocking him clean out and the other fella ran off. Turned out he's been nicking lead piping thrown out for scrap and had stuffed it into his workbag.

 

[Ste T.]

A couple of years ago I had a run in somebody in Liverpool city centre. The driver shouted at me, then got out and came at me with clenched fists raised. I hopped off the bike quickly and lifting it, thrust it out at arms length, just as the driver ran on to it, getting a pedal in the mouth and losing some teeth in the process. Sorted . I tell you, that's one little old woman who will think twice next time before attacking a defenceless cyclist.